Varicose vein surgery

About

Our service specialises in treating varicose veins and venous ulcers. We perform many of our surgical procedures under local anaesthetic, using keyhole techniques.

Our aim is to improve the care of patients with symptomatic varicose veins and we are constantly trialling new techniques. We perform new, less painful surgical procedures such as cyanoacrylate (or ‘glue’) ablation, where an adhesive is used instead of heat to treat varicose veins. We are also trialling new devices like the Clarivein (which is used for mechanochemical endovenous ablation) and carrying out research into the effectiveness of compression stockings following venous surgery.

Conditions we treat

We treat the following conditions:

• varicose veins
• venous ulcers
• lipodermatosclerosis

Treatments we offer

We offer the following treatments:

• endothermal ablation
• cyanoacrylate ablation
• Clarivein (mechanochemical endovenous ablation)
• foam sclerotherapy
• open venous surgery

Additional information

Clinical trials and research

We actively take part in research on venous disease. Our recent clinical trials include:

• A study comparing patients’ views on their quality of life with the results of clinical assessments, such as ultrasounds, to see which give more accurate outcomes (VALVV)
• A study measuring the effect on patients' outcomes of delaying certain treatments for varicose veins (AVULS)
• A study comparing the degree of pain patients experience during different forms of ablation treatment (VVCVV)

Please see the Imperial College departmental webpage for further information on current and upcoming clinical trials that we are working on as part of the vascular surgery service.

Education

We offer elective placements, research opportunities and educational days in our service. For more information, please email Professor Alun Davies at a.h.davies@imperial.ac.uk.

Further online resources

• Circulation Foundation
• NHS choices